The McInnis campaign believes John Hickenlooper’s decision to not take an immediate stance on a series of controversial bills that levied the state sales tax on a variety of goods has at least partially hurt Hickenlooper in the polls for the gubernatorial race.

Speaking before a friendly audience of mining industry officials, Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott McInnis Tuesday came down hard on Colorado Democrats for what he perceives to be economy-crushing oil and gas rules.

President Barack Obama encouraged Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper to run for governor during a call Friday, but the mayor has told friends the family will spend the weekend weighing a decision. ALSO: Hickenlooper and McInnis greet each other at the National Western.

State Rep. Kathleen Curry’s recent decision to switch her political affiliation from Democratic to independent was well received, for the most part, at a town hall meeting hosted by Curry in Glenwood Tuesday night.